It’s time to show solidarity with our jawans: Big B

Mumbai, (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, on his 74th birthday on Tuesday, said that while the people in the country are raging with anger, it’s time for civilians to show solidarity with the soldiers who fight for their safety.

The ongoing bilateral tensions between India and Pakistan spilled over to the entertainment world in both nations when some Indian outfits demanded that Pakistani artistes must be ousted from the country.

Asked about the debate about the ban on Pakistani actors, Amitabh said: “People of this country are very angry by the incidents that have been happening at our borders. It’s time to show solidarity. It’s time to show solidarity towards our jawans and armed forces who are sacrificing their lives so that you and me can be safe.”

The actor spoke to the media at his office here on the occasion of his birthday. His last release “Pink” raised an important issue of stereotypes associated with women and their safety in the country. It led to debates galore, but Big B said he doesn’t pick films to leave a social impact as such on the society.

“We don’t do films thinking it will make an impact or not. If I get a good character and good story, then I decide whether to do it or not. If after doing any role, there is an impact in the society, then it’s great,” said the National Award winning actor.

His next project “Thug” will also feature Aamir Khan. He said he is looking forward to that opportunity.

“There have been many attempts for us to work together, but we haven’t yet. So yes, I look forward to that opportunity. He is a great star and great actor. He has been ruling the box office and industry for a long time,” he said.

The Indian film industry has been going through ups and downs, and there has been talk of various studios shutting shop. One cited reason has been the high remuneration demands of stars.

Big B says such hurdles will come and go, but the film industry will always be alive.

“This is the film industry and this will be alive and going on. Such hurdles and problems will be coming, but the film industry will go on. The actors are blamed saying they have taken a lot of money and that’s why a film got flopped.

“That actor has the power to get the audience to come to theatres… Then if an actor is demanding more money, then what’s wrong in it? If the film doesn’t work, in the next film they get (paid) less,” added the actor, who has worked in Bollywood for over four decades and became popular as Hindi cinema’s Angry Young Man and Shahenshah.